Sea-sational Stuffed Shells Recipe: Ocean’s Bounty in Pasta

Creamy, cheesy shells packed with succulent seafood create a luxurious dinner that delights the senses.

These seafood stuffed shells blend delicate maritime flavors with rich Italian traditions.

Tender pasta shells cradle a sumptuous mixture of fresh shrimp, crab, and delicate seasonings.

Each bite promises a harmonious combination of oceanic goodness and comforting cheese.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal that feels both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.

Layers of complex flavors emerge from carefully selected seafood and complementary herbs.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 3

What’s Inside Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites

• Shrimp: Tender ocean protein that adds delightful sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Crab Meat: Delicate and luxurious seafood that brings a rich, maritime flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ingredient that binds the filling and creates smooth consistency.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that provides stretchy, gooey goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that intensifies the overall flavor profile.
• Green Onions: Fresh, zingy herb that adds a mild onion kick.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that deepens savory undertones.
• Parsley: Bright herb that brings freshness and color to the filling.
• Lemon Zest: Citrusy element that brightens and lifts the seafood flavors.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all other ingredients.
• Pepper: Warming spice that adds subtle heat and complexity.

• Butter: Rich base that creates smooth, velvety texture.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps sauce achieve perfect consistency.
• Milk: Liquid foundation that creates silky sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and nutty undertone to the sauce.
• Nutmeg: Warm spice that provides subtle, sophisticated background note.
• Salt: Balances and heightens sauce flavors.
• Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and complexity.

• Pasta Shells: Classic vessel for holding delicious seafood filling.

Kitchen Tools For Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining seafood, cheeses, and seasonings.
• Medium saucepan: Essential for creating smooth, creamy sauce.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending sauce ingredients without lumps.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Provides ideal space for stuffed shells.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping green onions and parsley.
• Sharp knife: Used for precise ingredient preparation.
• Foil: Covers dish during initial baking to prevent burning.

Steps To Prepare Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites

• Seafood Melody

Create a delightful blend of ocean treasures and creamy cheese, mixing shrimp, crab, and soft ricotta into a harmonious filling. Chop ingredients finely and combine with fresh herbs and zesty seasonings until the mixture feels perfectly balanced.

• Silky Sauce Creation

Transform butter and flour into a luxurious white sauce by whisking carefully. Gradually introduce milk, stirring continuously to achieve a smooth, velvety texture. Enhance with Parmesan and delicate spices, allowing the sauce to thicken into a rich, creamy consistency.

• Shell Adventure

Warm your oven to a toasty temperature. Spread a gentle layer of sauce across your baking dish, creating a welcoming bed for the shells. Carefully nestle each shell with the seafood mixture, arranging them with care and generosity.

• Cheese Crown

Blanket the stuffed shells with a generous shower of mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil and let the oven work its magic, transforming the dish into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. First, bake covered, then unveil for a final burst of golden perfection.

• Elegant Presentation

Sprinkle fresh herbs across the top, creating a vibrant finish. Serve immediately, allowing the aroma of ocean and cheese to invite everyone to the table. Savor each bite of this luxurious seafood experience.

Tips To Improve Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites

• Seafood Selection Magic: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp and crab meat for the most vibrant flavor. Mixed seafood varieties like scallops or lobster can add luxurious depth to your filling.
• Texture Perfect Tip: Pat seafood completely dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture from making the filling watery. Using a paper towel helps absorb extra liquid and ensures a firm, rich stuffing.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in the sauce. Replace traditional pasta shells with gluten-free jumbo shells for a celiac-friendly version that doesn't compromise taste.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time to ensure everything heats thoroughly.
• Lighter Protein Option: For a lower-calorie version, use Greek yogurt instead of ricotta and reduce the cheese quantities. Consider adding more herbs like dill or chives to boost flavor without adding extra calories.

Serving Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites With Ease

• Ocean's Bounty Plate: Pair this luxurious seafood dish with a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the delicate seafood flavors.
• Fresh Green Companion: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy shells and add a refreshing contrast to the meal.
• Mediterranean Magic: Complement the dish with roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers seasoned with herbs to create a complete, elegant dining experience that celebrates coastal cuisine.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Offer warm, crusty garlic bread or artisan sourdough to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a delightful textural element to the meal.

Storage Guide For Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover seafood stuffed shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen shells stay delicious for up to 3 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Reheating Magic Trick: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying and maintain moisture for restaurant-quality taste.
• Advance Preparation Hack: Prepare filling and sauce up to 24 hours before assembling. Keep separate containers in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop and saving precious cooking time on busy days.

Succulent Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Creamy seafood stuffed shells bring Italian coastal flavors to your dinner table. Jumbo pasta shells packed with tender shrimp, crab, and ricotta cheese create a luxurious Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup lump crab meat
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 20 jumbo pasta shells (cooked al dente)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups whole milk (473 ml)
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 green onions (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Seafood Filling Preparation: Delicately combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, ricotta, mozzarella, green onions, garlic, parsley, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
2. White Sauce Creation: Develop a silky sauce by creating a golden roux with butter and flour. Gradually incorporate milk, stirring consistently to maintain smoothness. Simmer until thickened, then enrich with Parmesan, nutmeg, and seasoning. Allow sauce to rest and develop depth.
3. Assembly and Initial Baking: Warm the oven to 375F. Spread a thin sauce layer in a baking dish. Carefully stuff pasta shells with the seafood mixture, arranging them snugly. Drench the shells completely with remaining sauce. Generously top with additional mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes to meld flavors intensely.
4. Final Baking and Finishing: Remove foil and continue baking until cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden crust. After removing from oven, let the dish rest briefly to set and concentrate flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant visual and aromatic finale. Serve immediately to showcase the luxurious seafood and cheese layers.

Notes

• Seafood Selection Matters: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp and crab meat for the most robust flavor and best texture in your stuffed shells.
• Prevent Watery Filling: Pat seafood dry before mixing to avoid excess moisture that could make the filling runny and compromise the dish’s consistency.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Grate cheese fresh for superior melting and more even distribution across the stuffed shells, creating a more luxurious experience.
• Dietary Adaptation: For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in the white sauce and use gluten-free pasta shells.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg